iSchool Professor David Levy was interviewed today by Steve Scher on about his work teaching students to focus their attention when distractions are everywhere. The interview was sparked by a recent article on Levy in the .
Levy used the example of crossing a street to identify the kinds of skills that would cross-over to other times where focus is important, such as being at work and reading an email. He categorized these skills as first, focusing attention on the task at hand; second, having an open awareness about other things going on around you; and finally, taking a conscious decision whether or not a particular distraction needs attention. Is a car running a red light so you have to jump out of the way? Or is everyone stopped for you at the crosswalk and you are good to go? It is a more complex issue than that, but in an age of constant digital distractions, it is helpful to draw parallels to things that we do all the time.
In his course , he teaches students how contemplative practices might serve as a lens to observe and critique current information practices, and to investigate problems such as information overload, the fragmentation of attention, and the busyness and acceleration of everyday life.
, which starts at 11:40 and lasts until 25:40 minutes into the broadcast.